Three matches of the Russian Premier League’s 29th round took place today, featuring Zenit against Sochi, Akhmat hosting Dynamo Makhachkala, and Lokomotiv facing Baltika in Moscow. Below is a detailed recap of each encounter.
Zenit 2-1 Sochi
Goals: 0-1 Fedorov (31′), 1-1 Luiz Henrique (59′), 2-1 Erokhin (84′)
Zenit needed points to stay ahead of Krasnodar in the title race, while Sochi fought to keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite a long journey—28 hours by train and bus—the visitors struck first. However, Zenit equalized through Luiz Henrique, and substitute Erokhin scored the winner, effectively sending Sochi to the First League.
Akhmat Grozny 1-1 Dynamo Makhachkala
Goals: 0-1 Azzi (38′), 1-1 Kenzhebek (83′)
Akhmat, comfortably mid-table, showed less urgency than Dynamo, who desperately need points to avoid relegation. Dynamo took the lead early, but Akhmat equalized late. The draw keeps Makhachkala three points clear of the relegation playoff spot after their previous 1-0 win in the first round.
Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0 Baltika
Goal: Rudendo (4′)
Red card: Andrade (12′)
Both teams are chasing bronze, but this direct clash favored Spartak. Lokomotiv took an early lead through Rudendo, and Baltika were reduced to ten men after Andrade’s early red card. Despite the advantage, Lokomotiv nearly let slip: Mitryushkin saved a penalty from Ilya Petrov. The win keeps Loko’s top-three hopes alive, while Baltika’s chances diminish.
The match between Lokomotiv and Baltika was a tense affair, with the hosts capitalizing on a fast start and numerical superiority. Baltika, to their credit, fought hard, hitting the post through Gassama and forcing a penalty, but Mitryushkin’s save denied them a point. This result leaves both teams still mathematically in contention for bronze, but the road becomes steeper.
The round’s fourth match, Orenburg vs Krylya Sovetov, ended with Orenburg winning 2-1, securing 29 points and avoiding direct relegation.
